Frequently Asked Questions
What is an LVEP and why do we need this status?
VisitEngland, the national body for tourism, has created a portfolio of 38 nationally supported, strategic and high-performing Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) across the country. LVEPs provide strong leadership and governance in tourism for their destination and work in collaboration locally, regionally and nationally on shared priorities and targets. The LVEPs' mission is to support and grow the visitor economy through robust destination management and strong stakeholder relationships. LVEP status enables Dorset to access support from VisitEngland. Dorset would be unable to participate in national and international marketing opportunities, training, research or be involved or have a voice on key industry developments.
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How many LVEPs are there in England?
There are currently 38 LVEPs across England.
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What is the benefit of forming an LVEP?
LVEPS work closely with VisitEngland, with ongoing support from a team of Regional Development Leads. As well as having nationally recognised status, LVEPs provide strong leadership and management of their destinations. They help to shape and deliver national strategy and activities. Their important role is promoted across government and national agencies, ensuring the local visitor economy is an active and valued contributor to regional growth and the wider economy. LVEPs are able to access expert advice, specialist toolkits and training programmes from VisitEngland in areas ranging from commercialisation, distribution, accessibility and sustainability to business support and marketing. An important strand of support is highlighting available funding streams.
Who is involved in the Dorset LVEP?
Dorset Council is proud to be the accountable body for the Dorset LVEP and its tourism team, Visit Dorset, acts as the main delivery body for LVEP work alongside its principal remit to support tourism in the Dorset Council area. Dorset Council led the application for LVEP status, supported by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council and the Dorset Tourism Association. The Dorset Tourism Association become the LVEP Advisory Board for the Dorset LVEP and has representation from all sectors of the visitor economy across Dorset. A list of representative organisations can be found here: Dorset LVEP The LVEP Advisory Board supports and guides the work of the LVEP and supports the Visit Dorset team with delivery.
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Can I read the minutes of the LVEP Advisory Board meetings?
Yes, all minutes are published on this website
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Does LVEP status mean that Dorset will receive funding from VisitEngland?
There is currently no funding available to LVEPs from VisitEngland. However, LVEP status enables us to bid for funding to take part in activity as this becomes available. We would be unable to bid for this funding without LVEP status. LVEP status enables us to take part and benefit from a wide range of VisitEngland funded activity.
Does LVEP status mean that Dorset will be implementing a Tourism Levy?
At the moment the proposed visitor levy is only applicable to areas which are devolved and have a mayor. This currently doesn't apply to Dorset, so we don't have any plans to introduce a visitor levy at this point.
Where can I see the Destination Management Plan?
You can read more about the Destination Management Plan and download it here
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